Halverson Can't Wait To Be A Mustang

E.J. Holland

08/27/2012

SMU defensive back commit Nate Halverson will be enrolling early at SMU. Does he expect to get some immediate playing time?

SMU already has one corner on its roster from Grant (OR) Acker and will soon be adding another. 2013 defensive back Nate Halverson committed to SMU in May and is looking forward to learning the ropes from his former teammate, two-year starter Kenneth Acker.

"I've known Kenneth Acker since I was in the third grade. He plays corner too so I can look to him as my mentor," Halverson said. "I talked to him a little bit after I committed while he was at my state track meet here in Oregon. I asked a few questions as far as coverages and other things. He just told me it's a great place, and he loves it down there."

Halverson will be on the Hilltop sooner than expected. Shortly after committing, he pondered graduating early and made his decision this summer. Halverson will receive his diploma in December and will participate in spring ball, where he hopes to compete for early playing time at corner.

"I'm already ready to go. I talked to Coach (Tom) Mason about it, and he said that I could count on having a scholarship and playing spring ball down there," Halverson said. "I started thinking about it after I committed. With a couple of corners graduating soon, it really sparked my interest. Coach Mason said I would definitely be in the mix at corner and also play on special teams."

But Halverson must first finish his senior season. The 5-foot-11, 175–pounder expects to start both ways this season and has lofty goals set for his final year of high school.

"I'm ecstatic. I can't wait. I've been waiting for this the whole summer," Halverson said. "In the summer, I worked on a lot of technique and footwork to perfect my coverage skills. I'll definitely be at corner this year, and I want to get all state. I also want to have six interceptions, but my big goal is to not have any receivers score on me."

Immediately after the season, Halverson will be making his first trip to SMU on an official visit. The two-star prospect said his commitment is solid and will probably not see any other schools.

"I'll be down there the weekend after my season ends," Halverson said. "I want to see what the facilities are like. I want to get around the campus and see what it's like to get from class to class. I'm excited to finally be able to visit."